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The Anchor
Everything is a Day of Thanksgiving
Old & New
Annual
Church Auxiliary
Just Us
The Bread
Deaconess Ministry Update
The Pennsylvania State Baptist Convention 2009
Gates
Watch Night
Baptist Evening Fellowship
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Family Caregiver Training
Submitted by Carolyn Shaw
What is this crippling disease that has
devastated not only the person that is afflicted with the
disease but also the person who cares for them? Alzheimer’s
disease named after Alois Alzheimer, a German physician is
described as a degenerative brain disease of unknown cause
that usually starts in late middle age or in old age, and
results in progressive memory loss, impaired thinking,
disorientation, and changes in personality and mood. Often
we casually describe it as “old timer or senior moments.”
This illness has baffled many of us. “How can someone so
healthy and was a caregiver is now being cared for? They
look normal, but this form of dementia has left me at a
loss for words. Where is the person I always depended on to
care for me?”
Most of
the people diagnosed with Alzheimer’s are not
institutionalized but are being cared for in their own
homes by caregivers who now have to put their lives on hold.
Some have even become prisoners in their homes because of
the effect of this disease. Caregivers have concerns such
as, “I can no longer leave them alone. What if they wander
away? Suppose they turn on the stove or water, or even let
a stranger in the house when I am not there.” All of these
are legitimate reasons for many of
the caregivers to have
concern. So where do they go for answers or support?
On October 24, 2009 the
Health Ministry here at Mt Carmel had the Alzheimer’s
Association to do a presentation entitled Family Caregiver
Training. We were asked to register at least 40 people but
on this day 52 people were present. The presenters were able
to give pertinent information that many caregivers find to
be helpful in caring for their love ones. One of the
presenters was a physician who gave an overview on the
physiological process of the disease, the different types
of dementia and their symptoms. A lawyer was present to
discuss legal planning which involve putting together
documents that authorize another person to make health care
and financial decisions and also getting financial services
for financial assistance and health care benefits. Last but
not least the discussion about the different support groups
where the caregiver can seek help was appreciated by all.
There was plenty of time for questions and answers, and
different brochures to be taken home.
For those who were unable to
attend the workshop, you can contact the Alzheimer’s
Association at their 24/7 helpline: 1-800-2723900 or on the
web at www.alz.org/desjsepa. As caregivers you are not
alone. You should obtain information from the Alzheimer’s
Association and seek out the different support groups to
interact with others who are in the same situation. Above
all we need to depend on God from whence cometh our help.
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